community Archives - Laurie Hopkins

July 20 2020

The Way Of Community Revisitied

The Way Of Community

Hello my dear friend, welcome back to the table! It has been a few weeks since we have chatted together – the times have been unusual but I want you to know that this table is a consistent and welcoming place. This week at the table, I want to revisit an earlier blog on The Way of Community. Grab your mug and a drink and pull up your seat at the table. If this is your first time with us, do not worry, there is room for everyone here.

The Way Of Community Revisited

The whole point of this blog has been to build community- to create a kitchen table where there is room for all who are want to join us, to sit together, to chat together, to grow together. In the season we find ourselves us, in times of social distancing and periods of isolation, I believe that community is more important than ever. And because of the need I see for community, I want, once again, to take the time to encourage an understanding of the importance of community in this season.

The Why Of Community

Why this focus on community? Why do all these blogs seem to lead back to this one concept? I believe that we have lost our way. I believe our society has become self-sufficient and self-focused. Because many of us have the means to be our own support and encouragement, our focus and our peer group have become narrowed. Self-sufficiency tells us that we do not require many people with little pieces of the puzzle, to come together and help make up the bigger picture of our lives. Instead, it tells us that not only do we get to decide on what the picture looks like ourselves, but we also are able and should build it ourselves. I’m here to come against this lie of the enemy that we have taken on as the truth in our lives and has caused us to become a group of individuals “doing our own thing” together in the world, rather than a collection of communities seeking to connect with one another. We were created for relationship – we were built for community. We were never meant for a self-sufficient and self-focused life.

The What Of Community

What is a community? It is important to note that a community is not just a group of individuals that continue living life in a self-sufficient manner, together. Nor is community connecting with others, just to further our own agenda. Rather, community involves living life together, sharing our time, resources, giftings and energy with one another for the benefit, not only of ourselves, but also of those around us. Communities can be small or large. We can be a part of a few communities or many communities. Community groups can overlap with one another.

The Who Of Community

We can live in community with a variety of people, in a variety of combinations over a varied span of time. However, community is not all about similar people with the same idea and thoughts and goals, gathering together to further their own agenda. True community may begin with similar people, with the same ideas and thoughts and goals, but must not stop there. True community aims to reach out to those around us, offering up what we have, to improve the quality of life of those around us. Community flourishes when we become a group of varied people with varied ideas and interests, giftings and resources to share – while working toward a similar vision.

The When Of Community

Community is an everyday event. It is not meant just for special occasions or when we need to get something done. If we could just grasp that our everyday lives are enhanced by the connections we have with others, we would be better able to understand that community is not a question of when – real community happens all the time.

The Where Of Community

Community happens wherever people are together. It can happen in your living room, your backyard, over coffee, at work, in the large community, in the church, in schools, in the grocery store, on the street or online. Community is about connection and connection can happen anywhere you have people who are open and willing to engage with those around them.

The How Of Community

Community does not just happen. The building of community is an intentional process. Especially in a society where the concept of self-sufficiency has taken such a solid hold. We have to want to be part of a community. We have to reach out to those around us and encourage community. It is an active process; it does not just happen on its own. It requires some courage, moving outside of your own box and comfort zone and a large dose of authentic living.

Community Is The Answer

Community is a large part of the answer to the many questions we have today. If we are willing to be real with ourselves and real with those around us, we would be quick to admit that self-sufficiency is a lonely way to live. The willingness to live an authentic life is the first step to building community. When we begin to be real with one another and ourselves, when the masks come off and we begin to reach out our hand to those around us, for help and to assist, true community will begin to form. As it forms, we will need to become intentional about encouraging its growth. Building community requires some effort but the joy that comes from living/engaging in a true and flourishing community, far outweighs any effort we will ever put in.

What I Know

In this season, I have been called, with a renewed sense of urgency, to encourage the building of community. That means a new level of walking in authenticity and committing to continual growth in my own spiritual walk. In the coming weeks, I will be launching an online community – a community of those who wish to come together, to learn how to be authentic together, to grow together and to reach out and draw in others who long to be part of a community. This is not just any community. This will not be a community of bystanders, it will be a community where everyone will be encouraged to participate. A community where we commit to being intentional in our Christian walk. A community where we seek the Lord for direction and clarity around where we are and where we are headed. It will be a community that seeks not only to benefit those who are involved, but that will commit to expanding our reach to touch the lives of those around us for the glory of God. Watch this space, for more information in coming weeks – about what this community looks like and how to get involved.

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, our time at the table is over for the moment. This week I want you to begin thinking about community- what it looks like to you, what you need to be doing in our own life to prepare for participating in community and what God would have you doing in community in this season. As always, I love to hear from you – be in touch and let me know your thoughts on community!

Your Turn To Comment

You can comment directly under the blog in the blog section. We, at the table, would love to hear from you.

Be In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LaurieHopkinsthisisabundantlife/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

laurie

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March 23 2020

Why It’s Our Time

Why It's Our Time

Hello, my dear friend, it is so good to have you at the table. There is so much going on in the world at the moment, the past few weeks have felt like a bit of a time warp. The time has passed quickly and slowly all at the same time. Have you felt that contradiction? Well, you know the process here at this table; grab your favourite mug and a hot drink and let’s take a seat and have a chat. This week I would like to talk with you about Why It’s Our Time.

A Time Of Great Noise

We are living in a time that most of us can honestly say we have not experienced before. The world is chaotic, the sense is uncertain and the messages more mixed than ever. Social Media and technology allows us to have 24-hour access to information from all over the world. We are bombarded with many voices, all telling us what to think, say and do. The voices are loud, soft, demanding, insistent, compassionate, wise, and leading us in every different direction. Our minds and spirits were not created to take in or process such clamour. The noise is great!

And Time Stood Still - Not

We would like to think that at a time like this everything would shut down, like a safety valve that shuts off when the pressure rises above a certain level. That time would stand still and we would be able to stop, process, consider and make our decisions. Unfortunately, that is not how it works. The world moves on and time does not and will not standstill. As I mentioned earlier, the days seem to be moving fast and slowly all at the same time. I seem to have all the time in the world one minute and feel like I am running out of time in the next minute. The pace is fast all around us and yet, in the day to day, many things have ground to a halt.

From Whence Commeth My Help

As a Christian, when the time refuses to stand still and the world goes on even though it appears to be spinning slightly off balance and a bit out of control, I have to remind myself “from when cometh my help” Psalm 121:1 The remainder of the Psalm holds the answer.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. Psalm 121: 2-8 KJV

Forgive me, but sometimes things just sound better in the Old King James Version.

Direction For The Times

I find great comfort as well as strategy and direction in the Word of God. My Bible has been a faithful companion for me since I was a young child. Dog-eared and highlighted, underlined with many notes on the side, it has been a place of solace, encouragement and direction in my life. Today is no different. Different circumstances, different voices coming at me, but my anchor holds and my foundation remains firm in the Word of God.

Contradicting Voices

I have been looking through the Word for direction. It is important for me, at all times, and especially in times of crisis and chaos, that I remain a light and a witness in the world. I will never be successful at that by listening to the many and contradicting voices I am hearing all around me right now. The only way that I know to remain faithful is to go to the Word and hear what the Father has to say to me and for me in these times.

Conforming Vs. Transforming

Romans 12:2 tells us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

We are not called to conform, we are not called to become part of the herd; we are not called to conforming behaviour. Rather, we are called to stand out and be different; transforming behaviour. Where does that transforming behaviour start? By the renewing of our minds. How do we renew our minds? The Word of God is a great place to start. Get into the presence of Jesus and allow Him to speak peace, love, mercy, grace, healing and righteousness into your mind. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

When Fear Comes

As Christians, we believe that God is ultimately in control. He has this. We believe that He will work all things together for our good. Romans 8:28 (Not that all things are good but that He will use them for good in our lives). And yet, we still will experience feelings of uncertainty and unsettledness and sometimes even fear. Let’s be honest. It is not that we should not have those feelings (feelings are not wrong or right, they just are), it is what we choose to do with those feelings.

What Does Transforming Behaviour Look Like?

So what does transforming behaviour look like? It looks calm, composed, and wise. It looks like a light amid shadows. It looks like a helping hand when other hands have shrunk back. It looks like unconditional love. It looks like a word of encouragement when there seems to be no words at all. In short, it looks different from the behaviour you see the majority engaging in.

Turning The World Upside Down

“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” Acts 17:6 In Acts, Paul and Silas were preaching in Thessalonica to a large group of Greeks who were quite taken with the Gospel message. The Jews, however, becoming jealous, stirred up the crowds and brought Jason and some of the brethren to the rulers of the city. They stated, “these who have turned the world upside down have come here too” and further accused them.

I love that they accused them of turning the world upside down. I believe that is what transforming behaviour looks like. They were preaching the Gospel, a new message, a message of hope and redemption and grace amid a society that focused on the law, rules and dependence on a never-ending sacrificial system.

We are called to “turn the world upside down”. Our behaviour should mirror that of the early Church – behaviour that lines up with the message we preach – behaviour that looks like hope and redemption and grace.

When The Church Became A Building

The early Church was scattered and spread out over the entire world. They preached in the synagogues but they also preached in homes, on the street, in the marketplace, at the city gate. They did not just speak to their own, the Jews, they shared with anyone they encountered and anyone that would listen. The Church never referred to a building. The Church was the people. The people were the Church. Today, when you say “the Church,” most people think in the context of a building. 4 walls, seats, music, liturgy, tradition, rules and regulations. We have failed to go out and share the Gospel message with those around us, those who we encounter in our day-to-day life. Instead, we invite them to come to us, to sit within our 4 walls, listen to our music and to adhere to our liturgy and traditions. We have boxed ourselves in and invited others to come and join us in our limiting box, rather than leading the way, taking the Good News to others and teaching them the truth about living abundantly, which requires living outside of the box. Why are we inviting people into a building and telling them how we believe they are to live their lives? Why are we not taking the Gospel to them, allowing them to encounter Jesus for themselves and allow Him to speak directly into their lives! An experience outdoes an argument any day!

The Real Church - The Body of Christ

Every body is made up of parts- hands, feet, arms, legs, a head, and a torso. Each part of the body has a function and a purpose. When any part of the body is not functioning, dysfunction happens in the body as a whole. The body must work together to fulfill its purpose. The church is not a 4-walled box; it is the Body of Christ. We are His hands and feet in the world. The real Church is not stationary; it walks around amidst the crowds, day in and day out. We, the individuals, are the Church.

It's Our Time

The world is in a unique situation. Each day new restrictions are being put into place with regards to the gathering of crowds. Social distancing is the word of the day. Our Church boxes are being shut down one at a time. Our small groups of likeminded people are being cancelled. As the Church, we are in the process of grieving life, as we know it. Nevertheless, let me tell you that I believe that it’s our time. All things are being shaken. We are in a refining process. The early Church suffered persecution, resulting in the scattering of the apostles. “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:4 There was a shaking.

We are in a shaking now! I believe the Church as we know it is once again experiencing a scattering. What an opportunity to reset the way we see ourselves and the way the world sees the Church. We are being forced, in a sense, to figure out how to be the Church individually, in our families, in our neighbourhoods, in our marketplaces, in a time when corporate gathering is restricted. What an opportunity!

What I Know

I know for sure that this is a new season and a new time and that we, as the Church, need to step up to the plate and begin walking out the walk that we have been talking for so long. We speak of a gospel of grace, mercy, unconditional love and redemption. So, let us, as individual members of the Body of Christ, start walking in grace, mercy, unconditional love and redemption. Let us begin to share out stories of our own encounters with Jesus. It is time to talk about where we were when He found us, what He has brought us from and what He has brought us to. It is time to get honest with the people.

What if the world saw the light of Jesus in us? We need to be showing those we encounter a calm, confident, wise demeanour while acknowledging the reality of our situation. Others should be so moved by the way we are presenting that they begin to ask, “How can you walk in that way during this situation?” We need to be the most generous people out there. We need to be checking on others, offering practical assistance and encouragement. Our Social Media feed should be the most positive and realistic; providing sound, accurate, up to date information and words of comfort, encouragement, and practical every day, useful, resources and advice. Now is a perfect time to learn to use technology that encourages community. Zoom, Skype, Facebook Messenger are just some platforms that can be used to bring people together virtually.

Let’s lead the pack. Blaze the trials. Show the world how to be more than victorious, to be overcomers.

This is a world we have not yet seen. Let’s get out there and begin to mould and shape it rather than allowing it to mould and shape us. It is all about transforming behaviour rather than conforming behaviour.

It’s Our Time!

Until Next Time

Well, my dear friend, my cup is empty. It is time, once again, to part ways. Thanks so much for taking the time to sit at the table with me. I so enjoy our time together!

Your Turn To Comment

As always, I love to hear from you. All voices are welcome at this table. Be sure to join in on the conversation by adding your comments in the comment box below.

Be In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

laurie

Category: Uncategorized | LEAVE A COMMENT

January 27 2020

The Way Of Community

The Way of Community

Hello my dear friend, welcome back to the table! It is hard to believe it has been two weeks already. How did you do with the shifting of mindsets we talked about last time? If you missed our last chat, you can click here to read it and have a chance to comment. This week at the table, I want to talk about The Way of Community. Grab your mug and a hot drink and take your seat at the table. If this is your first time with us, don’t worry, there is room for everyone here.

The Why Of Community

The What Of Community

The Who Of Community

We can live in community with a variety of people, in a variety of combinations over a varied span of time. However, community is not all about similar people with the same idea and thoughts and goals, gathering together to further their own agenda. True community may begin with similar people, with the same ideas and thoughts and goals, but must not stop there. The aim of true community is to reach out to those around us, offering up what we have, to improve the quality of life of those around us. Community flourishes when we become a group of varied people with varied idea and interests, giftings and resources to share – while working toward a similar vision.

The When Of Community

The Where Of Community

The How Of Community

Community does not just happen. The building of community is an intentional process. Especially in a society where the concept of self-sufficiency has taken such a solid hold. We have to want to be part of community. We have to reach out to those around us and encourage community. It is an active process; it does not just happen on its own. It requires some courage, moving outside of your own box and comfort zone and a large dose of authentic living.

Community Is The Answer

What I Know

I have longed for true community for some time. Sometimes it takes time to find the community that you can truly connect with and be part of. I am happy to say that in the last month, as we have settled into our new home, we have become part of the most amazing community. We are not perfect at Agape House Canada, but we are committed to living the life we have been called to as followers of Jesus, expanding our community by reaching out to those around us, encouraging one another in the practical things of everyday life as well as our individual and group growth in our Christian walk, helping one another to recognize and develop our giftings for the cause of the Kingdom and making an impact in the world for Jesus. For the first time in a long time, I feel fully alive and fully engaged! What I know, is that I want this for each one of you as well. It is time to take a courageous step from behind the mask of self-sufficiency and to begin to reach out a hand to those around you – a hand for assistance as well as a hand to benefit. You need to find your community and you need to do it now. Time is short!

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, our time at the table is over for the moment. It does not have to end here though. Below you will find a number of ways to connect outside of checking in every two weeks for this blog. Directly below are a number of ways you can contribute to the conversation at this table. Below that are a number of ways you can connect directly with me. Today is the day to take the first step. It may take some time and a little bit of courage to step out and do so, but together, we can make community happen!

Your Turn To Comment

You can comment directly under the blog in the blog section. We, at the table, would love to hear from you. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1) What communities are you a part of?

2) What do you see as the benefits of community?

3) If you are hesitant to join in communities, what is holding you back?

4) What would you like to talk about in this community? At this table?

5) Just share!

New

On the website, I have posted my word for the year and my Bible Verse for the year. I am planning for some changes to the site – help me out – what would you like to see on the website? Comment in the blog section.

Be In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie Hopkins

Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments